Heat Heightens Risk for Student Athletes

By Ali Gorman, R.N.&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Mon 6:13 PM, Aug 08, 2005&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Tue 1:27 PM, Mar 07, 2006

August means one thing for many high school athletes. It means the start of fall sports. Practice already started for high school football and doctors say due to the heat and the fact that the athletes are not in top shape yet, this may make them more susceptible to heat-related injuries.

Coaches say they take hydration seriously and in this heat, the players are taking frequent breaks and encouraged to drink both water and Gatorade.

Athletes also need to be hydrating off the field. Coaches say they should already be hydrating all week to keep themselves healthy.

Athletes should watch for signs of heat-exhaustion, such as fatigue, nausea or cramping, and take action so that it does not turn into the more serious, life-threatening heat stroke.

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